Joseph Mooney - MP for Southland
Whilst the nature of politics can lead to debate and a contest of ideas, it has been pleasing to see both Labour and the Greens broadly endorsing the National Infrastructure Plan this week.
This is a 30-year plan to fix the basics of our infrastructure system so we can build New Zealand’s future. Our government asked the NZ Infrastructure Commission to begin work on the Plan pretty much as soon as we came to office at the beginning of this term.
It sets out a 30-year view of how New Zealand can improve the way it plans, funds, maintains and delivers infrastructure.
An important aspect of this long-term view is to lessen the effect of changes in government. New Zealand spends a lot on infrastructure – around 5.8 per cent of GDP annually over the last 20 years, one of the highest in the OECD – yet we rank towards the bottom for efficiency, and fourth to last in the OECD for asset management.
Here in Queenstown-Lakes we have no shortage of infrastructure challenges stemming from our growth in population coupled with our unique environment.
A stronger foundation for ensuring the infrastructure needs of our community are properly planned for and delivered will help our region immensely.
Replacing the complex RMA with a better planning system, reforming local government and encouraging Regional Deals such as the one Queenstown-Lakes District Council, Otago Regional Council and Central Otago District Council are negotiating, will also help our region with sensible planning and achievable delivery of projects.
A major part of my role as your MP is advocating for projects and funding. Our community has had some excellent wins recently with announcements of $180 million of new funding for more local healthcare services and infrastructure, wilding pine management, a new bridge across SH6 near the Shotover, cycle trails, plus confirmation of funding to purchase a site for a future new high school in Queenstown.
These are all projects I’ve been strongly advocating for over the last five years. Queenstown also has nine applications at various stages in the Fast-Track process. These projects present both opportunities and challenges for our community.
For families to be able to afford to buy a home and live in Queenstown-Lakes, more housing is needed. Fast-Track applications for housing in places like Jacks Point, Ladies Mile and Ridgeburn all present opportunities to take pressure off our inflated housing market and give regular Kiwis a chance to build a life here.
These developments also add pressure to our infrastructure, particularly transport and water services. As I’ve said before in Lakes Weekly Bulletin, I’d like to see Fast-Track applicants engage with the community beyond their legislative requirements to do so.
We saw this recently at a public meeting held by the Fernhill and Sunshine Bay Community Group where Bowen Peak Ltd owner Guy Hingston spoke of their gondola, housing and tourism proposal.
I attended the meeting, and spoke to a question directed at me about the Fast-Track process.
The fast track process isn’t a “short cut” process, it is better described as a one stop shop process where all of the various applications that a project would normally have to deal with are all dealt with at the same time - where everything can be assessed together rather than in disjointed and disconnected proceedings.
It is worth noting that QLDC are mandatory invitees to provide evidence on Fast-Track applications, and they can provide evidence about adverse impacts, benefits, and infrastructure conditions, for example.
Whilst I want to see greater connection with our community from Fast-Track applicants, I also hope QLDC are making the most of their position as representatives of our community to engage with the Fast-Track process to ensure Fast Track Panels are aware of and address any surrounding infrastructure required before a development should proceed.
